Subfloor
#1
01-17-08, 11:46 AM
Subfloor
I just bought some bamboo flooring and I am going to nail it down as opposed to glue. Lifting up my carpet I realize the subfloor runs the same direction as I want to lay down my wood floor. So I realize that I am going to have to install a plywood subfloor over the existing floor. Now I have read that I need a gap between the plywood sheets. What should the space between the sheet be and is there anything less expensive than plywood that I could use. I also bought the 3 in 1 moisture barrier. Do I put that under the plywood or on top of the plywood?? This is confusing.
#2
01-17-08, 06:57 PM
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What type of subfloor do you have now? When you ask about a gap, are you referring to the old sub floor and the new plywood, or the new plywood sheets as they are laid down? It is true that you need to leave a gap between the new sheets; meaning an 1/8" gap or so, at all the seams. This helps prevent floor squeaking.
Although a 3 in 1 moisture barrier will help, once you penetrate the plywood with the nails or staples, the barrier is less effective. Water wicks up the fasteners. If the subfloor is not on concrete and has at least 18" to the ground, then you will be fine. A lot of people put barriers between the new and old subfloor and also on top of the new subfloor.
If you are renting the equipment, make sure to use nails (cleats) as they are much better for bamboo then staples.
If you need further help or clarification, let me know.
Michael Peterson
Although a 3 in 1 moisture barrier will help, once you penetrate the plywood with the nails or staples, the barrier is less effective. Water wicks up the fasteners. If the subfloor is not on concrete and has at least 18" to the ground, then you will be fine. A lot of people put barriers between the new and old subfloor and also on top of the new subfloor.
If you are renting the equipment, make sure to use nails (cleats) as they are much better for bamboo then staples.
If you need further help or clarification, let me know.
Michael Peterson
#3
01-21-08, 07:36 PM
The subfloor is composed of 2" wide pieces of wood placed over the joists. I am on a raised foundation. The gap in question is in reference to the new plywood subfloor. So I have to leave a 1/8 gap between each plywood piece. Do I have to fill the 1/8 gap with anything or do I leave it and just put the bamboo floor over it??
I will make sure I get the cleats and not the staples.
One more thing. Do I nail down the plywood or screw it down??
Thanks for your help
I will make sure I get the cleats and not the staples.
One more thing. Do I nail down the plywood or screw it down??
Thanks for your help
#4
01-22-08, 08:35 AM
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Up to you on the nail down or screw down. We always screw down on a sleeper system (the 2" wood strips that you are talking about). In addition, we glue the the plywood down with liquidnails or DAP subfloor adhesive.
Leave the 1/8" all the way around each piece of plywood. We use a 16 penny nail to gauge the gaps and keep them consistent. Then put down the underlayment, then cleat the bamboo down.
Leave the 1/8" all the way around each piece of plywood. We use a 16 penny nail to gauge the gaps and keep them consistent. Then put down the underlayment, then cleat the bamboo down.
#5
01-22-08, 03:06 PM
One more thing. Do I need to fill the 1/8 in gap with floor leveling compound or do I just leave it open. I also am deciding between lauan plywood and standard subfloor grade plywood. Which would be recommended in this case??
#6
01-22-08, 04:52 PM
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Standard 3/4" subfloor plywood or OSB(dry, in case you live in a state that treats for termites).
Leave the gaps. The reason for them is to prevent squeaking.
Leave the gaps. The reason for them is to prevent squeaking.
#7
01-22-08, 08:39 PM
Do I have to use 3/4 inch plywood. If you include the thickness of the bamboo that's almost a full inch. I am going to have a transition from the woodflooring to carpeting so that is a pretty big transition. Can I go with 1/4 in plywood?
